Falcoholinks: All the Falcons news you need for Monday, Oct. 29

A relaxing, leisurely bye-week.

How did you enjoy the Falcons’ bye-week? Did you forget that football existed for a brief moment? I’m projecting. It was a nice Sunday without any Atlanta-related stress, Jameis Winston threw four picks and got benched and I kicked my feet up and laughed and laughed. The Falcons are no longer in the NFC South basement and a meeting against the Redskins is on tap for Sunday. Here’s your Monday morning Falcoholinks.

M-V-P

Matt Ryan is having an MVP caliber season thus far, so it’s unsurprising that he’s The Falcoholic’s Offensive MVP through the first seven. Ryan has thrown for 2,335 yards, 15 touchdowns and two interceptions, and looks to continue that good work against Washington on Sunday.

He’s putting together an MVP-worthy campaign, and our DW examined Ryan’s current projections if he keeps up the pace. Hint: He beats a lot of his own personal bests.

History and Julio

Who needs touchdowns? Julio Jones is sitting on 9,866 career yards heading into his next game, so he could potentially eclipse 10,000 receiving yards in D.C. Roddy White is the franchise leader with 10,863, and Julio is well on track to best that figure as a Falcon. Washington is near middle-of-the-pack in terms of passing yards per game at 238.3 allowed, so it’ll take a big afternoon from Julio to get into the 10,000 club. Of course, we’ve seen those before.

Damontae Kazee is a revelation

Thrust into starting duties after Atlanta’s rash of injuries to the secondary, safety Damontae Kazee is proving he belongs on the field. He’s also proving that he has a knack for the football. Kazee is responsible for nearly 60% of the Falcons’ turnovers, which is an exquisite stat for him but speaks extremely ill of the entire defense. Damontae Kazee is making a strong case for a starting role next season, so it will be interesting to see how the team decides to address the logjam in the secondary.

Kicker controversy?

Matt Bryant is the kicker for the Atlanta Falcons — full stop. But Giorgio Tavecchio’s performance on Monday night has the gears turning for the future. Tavecchio was signed off the scrap heap and proceeded to hit three field goals against the Giants — two of them over 50 yards, one of those sealing the game for Atlanta. With Matt Bryant’s age and ailing hamstring, the Falcons have a touch decision on their hands once he returns.

The Falcoholic’s David Walker took a look at the options and implications, and added a handy poll to gauge the fanbase.

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